US Medical Travel: What It Is, Who Does It, and What You Need to Know

When people talk about US medical travel, the practice of traveling from one country to the United States to receive medical treatment. Also known as medical tourism, it’s not just for the wealthy anymore—it’s becoming a smart choice for people who need care that’s faster, cheaper, or more advanced than what’s available at home. Many come for complex surgeries like joint replacements or cancer treatments, while others seek fertility services like IVF or weight-loss procedures like Ozempic or Zepbound that are hard to access or cover back home.

Why the US? It’s not just about top hospitals like Mayo Clinic or Johns Hopkins. It’s about speed. While waiting lists for hip replacements can stretch over a year in the UK or Canada, patients in the US often get scheduled within weeks. The technology is newer, the specialists are highly trained, and the outcomes are well-documented. For someone from India, the Philippines, or Nigeria, paying $15,000 for a knee replacement in the US can still be cheaper than flying to Europe, plus they get access to drugs and protocols not yet approved elsewhere. And yes, some come because their insurance won’t cover treatments like dental implants or mental health therapy—but in the US, they can pay out-of-pocket and still save.

It’s not all smooth sailing, though. Language barriers, follow-up care after returning home, and understanding billing can trip people up. That’s why so many turn to medical travel agencies that handle visas, translators, airport pickups, and even post-op check-ins. The real winners are those who plan ahead—researching surgeons, asking for outcome data, and knowing what’s included in the price. You won’t find hidden costs if you ask the right questions.

What you’ll find in the articles below are real stories and facts about the medical treatments people travel for. From how long recovery takes after open-heart surgery to whether you can have oral sex after surgery, from the cost of IVF to why insurance denies Zepbound—these aren’t theoretical guides. They’re based on what patients actually experience. Whether you’re considering US medical travel yourself or just trying to understand why so many do it, this collection gives you the unfiltered truth.